Ep 39: More Than Paradise: Hawaii’s Stories Through Trivia
This week on Trivia Tangents, I sit down with my Auntie Sarah, who has lived in Waikīkī, O’ahu for the past six years, to explore some fun and fascinating pieces of Hawaii’s story. From blockbuster movies filmed on the islands, to the fiery legends surrounding volcanoes, to the controversial history behind Hawaii’s most famous fruits — it’s a mix of trivia and deeper conversations.
But this isn’t just a postcard version of paradise. We also look at the bigger picture: how movies often overlook native culture, why the pineapple industry was problematic, and the spiritual significance of the land itself. Sarah shares her enlightening experiences as a non-native Hawaiian resident, and we talk about the importance of cultural education, environmental awareness, and supporting community initiatives like Farm Link.
Hawaii is more than beaches and resorts — it’s a living culture with values rooted in respect for the land (mālama ʻāina). Come for the trivia, stay for the reminder that we can all learn something from the Hawaiian way of caring for community and environment.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
🎬 Movies filmed in Hawaii (and how they often overlook native culture)
🌋 Pele, the goddess of fire, and the spiritual side of volcanoes
🌱 Living in Hawaii and raising environmental awareness
🥭 Local fruits like lychee and mango (plus the controversial pineapple industry)
🗣️ Hawaiian Pidgin and the art of “talk story”
📚 Why cultural education is so important for kids in Hawaii
🤝 Community initiatives like Farm Link that support local agriculture
🌈 Respecting the land (mālama ʻāina) as a core Hawaiian value
⛔ The forbidden island of Niʻihau
😷 Hansen’s disease (previously known as leprosy) in Moloka’i 1800’s
A note on language:
We do our best to honor Hawaiian language and names in this episode. We know we won’t get everything perfect, but our effort comes from a place of respect. If you have corrections, we welcome thoughtful feedback shared with kindness — it helps us to keep learning. You’ll also hear me briefly use the phrase “mainland” in this episode; since recording this in June 2025, I’ve learned that “continental U.S.” is a more accurate and respectful term, and I’ll be using that going forward.
Links
Finding Ohana Netflix Film
Moloka’i novel by Alan Brennert
Maia Kealoha (Lilo actress) with Hawaii’s Gov. Josh Green Article
Hawaiian grocery delivery service Farm Link Hawaii
Best Lychee In O’ahu Sun Chong Grocery
